黄土高原苹果园深层土壤干燥化特征

为了评价黄土高原苹果产区深层土壤干燥化特征及其区域分布规律,测定了其半湿润黄土台塬区(Ⅰ)、半湿润易旱黄土旱塬区(Ⅱ)、半湿润偏旱和半干旱黄土丘陵区(Ⅲ)等不同气候和地貌类型区32块苹果园地0～1500cm土层土壤湿度,定量比较和分析了各类型区苹果园地深层土壤含水率、土壤湿度剖面分布及其土壤干燥化特征。结果表明:1)Ⅰ、Ⅱ、Ⅲ区苹果园地0～1500cm土层土壤含水率依次为17.53%、13.44%和10.29%,土壤有效贮水量依次为1273.70、973.98和864.05mm,土壤水分过耗量依次为199.93、465.10和362.70mm,年均土壤干燥化速率依次为8.47、26.29和23.44mm/a。人工补灌、树龄、种植密度和地貌类型等因素影响果园土壤湿度和土壤干燥化程度。2)各区有补充灌溉的果园土壤剖面湿度显著高于旱作果园,不存在或部分土层存在干燥化现象;旱作果园土壤剖面均存在深厚的干燥化土层。3)Ⅰ、Ⅱ和Ⅲ区有补充灌溉的苹果园地土壤干燥化指数(SDI)分别为-8%、-11%和-34%;旱作果园土壤干燥化指数(SDI)分别为32%、50%和46%,各类型干层厚度分别达到或超过790、1297和910cm。研究结果为黄土高原苹果园地深层土壤水分可持续利用和苹果生产基地可持续发展提供参考。     

黄土高原半干旱偏旱区苜蓿-粮食轮作土壤水分恢复效应

该文测定和分析了黄土高原半干旱偏旱区不同生长年限苜蓿草地以及轮作不同年限粮食作物后0～1000 cm深层土壤水分变化规律.结果表明:随着苜蓿生长年限的延长,苜蓿草地土壤干层厚度逐渐增加,3年生苜蓿草地土壤干层深度达到760 cm,6、7、10年生苜蓿草地土壤干层深度均超过1000 cm,6年生苜蓿地1000～1500 cm土层仍为干燥层,土壤平均湿度为9.68%;采用草粮轮作能明显减小苜蓿草地干层的厚度和范围,0～1000 cm土壤水分较10年生苜蓿草地都有不同程度的恢复,轮作2、6、8、12和18 a粮田平均土壤水分恢复速率25.2 mm/a,年均累积恢复土层厚度123.1 cm,0～300 cm土层水分恢复程度较高,且轮作年限愈长,土壤水分恢复效果越好,轮作18 a粮食作物后0～660 cm土层土壤水分恢复量达到了531.1 mm;苜蓿草地适宜翻耕年限为5～6 a,且6年生苜蓿草地0～1000 cm土壤水分恢复到当地土壤稳定湿度值需要23.8 a,该地区适宜的苜蓿-粮食轮作模式为"5～6年生苜蓿→24年粮食作物".     

黄土高原白草塬土壤水分特征及对土地利用变化的响应

[目的]对黄土高原白草塬土壤水分特征及对土地利用变化的响应进行分析,为该区水资源管理和生态建设提供重要的参考依据。[方法]测定并分析白草塬6种利用方式下0—10m的土壤水分,并基于土壤储水量、水分亏缺量及干燥化指数等指标评价土地利用变化的影响。[结果]6种土地利用方式0—10m平均含水量表现为:农地荒草地苜蓿地杏林地杏林柠条间作地杏林苜蓿间作地。土地利用变化对土壤水分的影响深度不同,苜蓿地与荒草地的影响集中在0—5m,而包含杏树的利用方式对土壤水分的影响向深层推进甚至可贯穿整个剖面。0—5m除农地外皆有重度土壤干燥化现象;5—10m包含杏树的利用方式干燥化程度较农地、荒草地和苜蓿地严重。[结论]农地转变为包含杏树的利用方式后对土壤深层水分有显著的影响,造成土壤水分储水量减少和干燥化现象严重。     

洛川塬土壤水分特征及其对土地利用变化的响应

[目的]揭示洛川塬土壤水分特征及其对土地利用变化的响应,为优化黄土高原土地利用结构和土壤水分管理提供科学依据。[方法]测定农地、荒草地以及8,13,15,24,28和30a果龄的苹果园0—10m剖面的土壤水分,对比分析各样地的土壤含水率、土壤储水量及土壤干燥化特征。[结果](1)0—10m平均土壤水分含量:荒草地农地≈8a果园13a果园≈15a果园24a果园≈30a果园28a果园;≥24a果园土壤水分随深度增加逐渐减小,而其他样地的土壤水分随深度增加逐渐接近田间持水量。(2)以农地为参照,不同果园4—10m土壤水分减少量明显高于0—4m减少量,与农地的差异性随果龄增大而越发显著。(3)农地和荒草地转化为不同年限果园后出现水分亏缺现象,亏缺量占田间持水量的12%~46%。(4)24,28和30a果园分别出现轻度、中度和轻度干燥化现象。[结论]农地和荒草地转变成不同年限果园后,出现不同程度水分亏缺,并导致一定厚度的干层存在。     

黄土丘陵苜蓿与柠条深层土壤干化状况及根系与养分特征

[目的]探究宁夏南部黄土丘陵区雨养苜蓿及柠条地的深层根系与土壤水分和养分的协同关系，进而为宁南山区人工植被建设与管理以及生态环境高质量发展提供科学依据。[方法]采用野外调查与室内分析相结合的方法，对宁南黄土丘陵区人工种植18 a的紫花苜蓿地与20 a的柠条林地0—1 000 cm土层中土壤水分、根系垂直分布、土壤N,P含量变化进行了分析。[结果](1)苜蓿地和柠条林地土壤200 cm以下全剖面已经处于干化状态，其中苜蓿和柠条地土壤处于极度干燥化水平的土层分别为200—720 cm和360—720 cm, 0—1 000 cm深度范围土壤水分储量较相似地形的雨养农田分别少987.55,977.78 mm;(2)苜蓿和柠条根系主要集中在表层0—120 cm土层，该层根系占0—1 000 cm剖面总根干重的45.66%,57.54%,根长密度占44.45%,67.58%;(3)苜蓿和柠条土壤N,P养分分布规律与根系分布规律一致，表层0—120 cm范围内平均全N含量分别为0.53,0.58 g/kg,是0—1 000 cm土壤全N含量平均值的1.77倍和1.87倍，在0—120 cm范围内全...     

黄土高原典型植被条件下土壤剖面水、碳分布季节变化研究

采用土钻法对黄土高原柠条林地、苜蓿草地和撂荒草地0～300 cm土壤水分、有机碳的季节变化及二者相互关系进行了探讨,结果表明：(1)3种植被条件下0～100 cm土壤含水量存在显著季节变化,但该土层土壤含水量仅雨季后植被间差异显著;>100～200 cm和>200～300 cm土壤含水量季节变化程度不一致,但各季节植被间差异均显著;柠条林地和苜蓿草地100 cm以下土壤含水量明显低于撂荒草地,两者分别在100 cm和200 cm深度以下出现了严重土壤干燥化。(2)3种植被条件下0～300 cm土壤有机碳存储量均为雨季中最低、除柠条林地0～50 cm土层外雨季前最高,柠条林地季节变化较小,苜蓿草地和撂荒草地季节变化较大。(3)3种植被条件下土壤有机碳含量具有不同程度的表聚现象;0～50 cm土壤有机碳密度3种植被间差异均显著;>50～100 cm土壤有机碳密度柠条林地明显高于撂荒草地,两者与苜蓿草地的差异均不显著;>100～300 cm土壤有机碳密度3种植被间差异不显著。柠条和苜蓿的种植分别增加了100 cm和50 cm以上土壤有机碳密度,但导致深层土壤干燥化,不...     

长武旱塬草粮轮作田土壤水分可持续利用模式模拟

采用实地观测和计算机模拟相结合的方法,以长期定位试验数据为基础,通过对不同草粮轮作模式的模拟研究,分析了长武旱塬草粮轮作田的土壤水分恢复效应,以期探索出适合该地区的土壤水分可持续利用的草粮轮作模式。验证结果表明：草粮轮作田0～2 m土层土壤贮水量模拟值和观测值间的相关系数为0.97;0～5 m土层土壤湿度的模拟值和观测值间相关系数在苜蓿草地、冬小麦田和马铃薯田分别为0.94、0.93和0.87,均达到了极显著水平。模拟结果表明：苜蓿翻耕后,种植马铃薯和糜子均有利于土壤水分的恢复。在土壤干燥化程度较严重时,种植冬小麦或者春玉米能够在一定程度上缓解土壤干燥化;在无干燥化或者干燥化程度较轻时,种植冬小麦和春玉米会导致土壤含水率的下降。在长武旱塬,“马铃薯-糜子-春玉米-马铃薯-糜子-冬小麦”的粮食轮作模式有利于苜蓿地土壤水分恢复,持续种植9～12 a后可以再次种植苜蓿。     

黄土高原半湿润区苜蓿草地土壤氮素消耗特征研究

本文研究了黄土高原地区生长年限分别为4a、6a、10a、12a、18a及26a苜蓿草地土壤氮素的变化特征。结果表明,在0—1000 cm土层,不同生长年限苜蓿草地土壤全氮与碱解氮含量呈现规律性的变化,即随土层深度的增加,全氮及碱解氮含量下降,350cm土层以下,变化趋势平缓。在0—200 cm土层,26a苜蓿草地全氮、碱解氮含量低于4a、6a苜蓿草地,高于10a、12a苜蓿草地;在200—1000 cm土层,土壤全氮、碱解氮含量在不同生长年限之间差异不大,表明苜蓿生长超过一定年限,土壤氮素有一定恢复,但受土壤氮素累计消耗的影响,只能使土壤上层的氮素逐步得到恢复,而深层土壤氮素难以恢复;苜蓿草地有机碳与全氮、碱解氮及C:N之间均为正相关关系。苜蓿生长6a以后,应对苜蓿草地进行合理施肥,以维持苜蓿草地氮素平衡。     

宁南山区苜蓿地土壤水分和养分变异规律研究

以宁南半干旱黄土丘陵区3年生、7年生、11年生、19年生,以及7年生上坡、中坡、下坡苜蓿地为研究对象,分析了苜蓿地0—5m土壤干层及土壤养分的消长规律。研究结果表明:(1)坡位与种植年限均对土壤水分产生影响,上坡苜蓿地0—5m土壤平均含水量为6.34%,显著小于中坡和下坡;不同旱作年限苜蓿地0—5m土壤含水量排序为:3年生>7年生>19年生>11年生;土壤干燥化指数SDI排序为:上坡>中坡>下坡;3年生>7年生>19年生>11年生,土壤干燥化程度随着土层深度的增加而减弱。待苜蓿老化后土壤水分可以得到恢复,土壤干燥化程度降低,但这一过程需要较长的时间。(2)在土壤旱化过程中,随着坡位的下降,苜蓿地0—100cm层土壤平均有机质、全氮、速效氮、全磷、速效磷、速效钾含量增加;随着土层深度的增加,土壤有机质、全氮、速效氮、全磷、速效磷下降。随着苜蓿旱作时间的延长,土壤有机质、全氮、速效氮、速效磷、全磷、速效磷含量呈下降的趋势;待苜蓿老化严重时,土壤有机质、全氮开始逐渐积累,但仍然处于低水平状态。     

种植年限及密度对渭北旱塬苹果园深层土壤干燥化的影响

为探究种植年限及密度对苹果园土壤干燥化变化的影响,以渭北旱塬洛川县不同种植年限和密度的果园为研究对象,采用烘干法测土样,2008年及2015年分别2次测得不同果园15 m深土层含水量,以自然条件下农田为对照,分析其干燥化变化规律。结果表明:1)2008年测定5、10、15、20、25 a果园的土壤干燥化指数分别为6.46%、32.68%、37.65%、63.33%和62.81%,2015年测定当年果园经过7 a后的12、17、22、27、32 a果园的土壤干燥化指数分别为35.98%、59.65%、42.21%、75.06%和70.09%,随着树龄增大,土壤干燥化指数整体增大,干燥化程度加剧;5 a生苹果幼园土壤干燥化轻微,程度接近自然条件下农田;树龄15 a后的果园土壤干燥化波及深度达11 m左右的古土壤蓄水层,至17 a后渭北旱塬古土壤层的缓冲作用已经丧失,果园产量及果实品质受限于当年降雨。2)研究中株行距密度从3 m×4 m变为4 m×6 m的22、25和32 a果园,干燥化进程得到控制,干燥化速率大幅下降,降低果园密度可以缓解因苹果树树龄增长造成的果园干燥化加剧,间伐措施后的果园降雨有所盈余,可以改善土壤干燥化现状;但在亏水年,间伐后的果园在充分利用降雨时,还需深层土壤水分的弥补,在树龄大的果园尤为常见,单靠间伐措施只能延迟土壤干层的形成。因此,要控制和减缓土壤干燥化的发展,应在干燥化影响波及古土壤层前采取措施,也即种植12 a左右,果园处于中度干燥化程度时采取相应对策最佳。     

低氮和干旱胁迫对富士和秦冠生长及氮素利用的影响

【目的】以富士（Fuji）、 秦冠（Qinguan）嫁接在平邑甜茶（Malus hupehensis Rehd.）上的当年生盆栽苗为试验材料,采用砂培方法,研究了缺氮胁迫和干旱对富士和秦冠生长情况、 光合参数、 植株各部位氮磷钾含量及氮素利用效率的影响,分析比较了低氮干旱条件下富士和秦冠生长及氮素利用的差异,以期为果树生产高效肥水利用提供理论指导。【方法】试验共设四个处理: 正常氮正常水（ZZ）、 低氮正常水（DZ）、 正常氮干旱（ZG）、 低氮干旱（DG）。氮素和水分均设置两个水平,分别为正常氮（6 mmol/L NO-3-N）、 低氮（0.3 mmol/LNO-3-N）、 正常供水（保持盆中砂子相对含水量为饱和含水量的80%~85%）、 干旱处理（保持盆中砂子相对含水量为饱和含水量的60%~65%）。【结果】富士和秦冠的生物量（茎和叶）、 株高茎粗等生长指标以及光合速率、 气孔导度、 蒸腾速率均为正常氮正常水（ZZ）＞低氮正常水（DZ）＞正常氮干旱（ZG）＞低氮干旱（DG）,并且相对应处理下秦冠的以上指标均高于富士;正常供水下,缺氮处理使富士、 秦冠的根冠比比正常氮处理均有所增加,富士提高了2.05%,秦冠提高了22.40%。富士和秦冠的氮、 磷、 钾含量均表现出正常氮正常水（ZZ）＞低氮正常水（DZ）＞正常氮干旱（ZG）＞低氮干旱（DG）; 氮、 钾元素含量在植株各部位的分布顺序依次是叶＞根＞茎,磷元素则是根＞叶＞茎;光合氮素利用效率（PNUE）和氮素利用效率表现为秦冠处理之间差异极显著,富士处理之间差异不显著;秦冠的PNUE和NUE明显高于富士,在低氮正常水（DZ）处理下,秦冠氮肥利用率比富士高42.07%,在低氮干旱（DG）处理下高64.14%;低氮胁迫下富士和秦冠的NUE显著提高,并且秦冠提高的幅度高于富士。【结论】施用氮肥能够显著提高富士与秦冠的干物质量,同等水肥条件下,秦冠生长优于富士;水分亏缺会减少叶片对氮的吸收,干旱条件下适度增施氮肥,可提高果树的抗旱能力;低氮干旱胁迫下秦冠的生长指标、 光合指标及氮素利用效率指标均优于富士,表现出较强的抗低氮干旱胁迫的能力。     

Pasture Vegetation Elemental Analysis by Laser-Induced Breakdown Spectroscopy

Laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy (LIBS) is a new technique for the analysis of plant material. This study investigates the application of LIBS to pasture-based plant samples. The LIBS measurements were obtained from pelletized pasture samples (100 samples) that had been also analyzed by inductively coupled plasma–optical emission spectroscopy (ICP-OES) following microwave digestion for calibration and comparison purposes. Comparisons for elements sodium (Na), potassium (K), magnesium (Mg), calcium (Ca), manganese (Mn), iron (Fe), copper (Cu), zinc (Zn), boron (B), phosphorus (P), and sulfur (S) showed that LIBS could be used for almost all the standard profile total elements with concentrations down to low mg/kg levels (observed error of Na: 0.024 percent, K: 0.18 percent, Mg: 0.016 percent, Ca: 0.073 percent, P: 0.017 percent, Mn: 31 mg/kg, Fe: 150 mg/kg, Zn: 6.6 mg/kg, and B: 1.1 mg/kg). Elemental analysis at less than mg/kg levels was not possible using LIBS. The elements S and Cu were particularly difficult to analyze with reliability using LIBS at the concentration levels found in the plant samples. Replacing microwave digestion and subsequent ICP analysis with a direct analysis of dried plant samples using LIBS has the potential to improve the productivity and reduce the cost of testing.     

Faculty positions:Center for Agricultural Resources Research,Chinese Academy of Sciences

正The Center for Agricultural Resources Research(CARR),the Institute of Genetics and Developmental Biology(IGDB),Chinese Academy of Sciences,invites applicants for several research group leader positions.CARR is one of the research organizations in Chinese Academy of Sciences(CAS).We seek nominations and applications from individuals who have expertise and a record of accomplishment in research areas related to ecology,agro-hydrology,     

Macroinvertebrates in North American tallgrass prairie soils: effects of fire, mowing, and fertilization on density and biomass

The responses of tallgrass prairie plant communities and ecosystem processes to fire and grazing are well characterized. However, responses of invertebrate consumer groups, and particularly soil-dwelling organisms, to these disturbances are not well known. At Konza Prairie Biological Station, we sampled soil macroinvertebrates in 1994 and 1999 as part of a long-term experiment designed to examine the effects and interactions of annual fire, mowing, and fertilization (N and P) on prairie soil communities and processes. For nearly all taxa, in both years, responses were characterized by significant treatment interactions, but some general patterns were evident. Introduced European earthworms (Aporrectodea spp. and Octolasion spp.) were most abundant in plots where fire was excluded, and the proportion of the total earthworm community consisting of introduced earthworms was greater in unburned, unmowed, and fertilized plots. Nymphs of two Cicada genera were collected (Cicadetta spp. and Tibicen spp.). Cicadetta nymphs were more abundant in burned plots, but mowing reduced their abundance. Tibicen nymphs were collected almost exclusively from unburned plots. Treatment effects on herbivorous beetle larvae (Scarabaeidae, Elateridae, and Curculionidae) were variable, but nutrient additions (N or P) usually resulted in greater densities, whereas mowing usually resulted in lower densities. Our results suggest that departures from historical disturbance regimes (i.e. frequent fire and grazing) may render soils more susceptible to increased numbers of European earthworms, and that interactions between fire, aboveground biomass removal, and vegetation responses affect the structure and composition of invertebrate communities in tallgrass prairie soils.     

Variation in quality parameters between and within 14 Nordic tree fruit and berry species

Abstract

A 3-year study was carried out to investigate quality parameters in 14 tree fruit and berry species grown in southern Norway. The species were blueberry, apple, aronia, sour cherry, sweet cherry, red raspberry, strawberry, blackcurrant, gooseberry, red currant and elderberry, harvested along with wild bilberry, cloudberry and lingonberry. Significant differences between species were identified for all quality parameters. The coefficient of variation between species was lowest for pH (12.5%), dry matter (18.9%) and soluble solids (25.3%), followed by titratable acids (59.3%), total phenolics (83.8%), antioxidant capacity FRAP (85.7%) and antiradical power by the DPPH-assay (97.8%), total monomeric anthocyanins (132%) and ascorbic acid (137%). Average coefficient of variation within species were lower and ranged from 4 (pH) to 62% (ascorbic acid). Only the FRAP values were significantly affected by harvesting year with lower levels in 2004 than in 2005 and 2006. There were significant interactions between species and harvesting year for dry matter, soluble solids, pH, ascorbic acid and FRAP. The results indicate generic ranges in composition within species independent upon growing location and climate, and the composition of the tree fruits and berries is not likely to deviate from these ranges. It is concluded that desirable composition of tree fruits and berries and their products should primarily be achieved by selection among species rather than searching fors broadened variation within individual species.     

Potassium Fixation and Release Characteristics in Rhizosphere and Nonrhizosphere Soils for a Rapeseed–Rice Cropping Sequence

Potassium (K) fixation and release in soil are important factors in the long-term sustainability of a cropping system. Changes in K concentration and characteristics of K fixation and release in rhizosphere and nonrhizosphere soils in the rapeseed (Brassica napus L.)–rice (Oryza sativa L.) rotation were investigated using a rhizobox system. The concentrations of different forms of K in both rhizosphere and nonrhizosphere soils decreased with plants compared to without plants, regardless of K fertilizer application. Potassium uptake by crops mainly came from the rhizosphere soil. In the treatment without K fertilizer (–K), the main form of K supplied by the soil to the crops was 1.0 mol L^?1 nitric acid (HNO₃) nonextractable K, followed by nonexchangeable K, and then exchangeable K. In the treatment with K fertilizer (+K), the main K forms supplied by the soil to the crops were exchangeable K and nonexchangeable K. The amount and rate of K fixation after one cycle of the rapeseed–rice rotation was greater in rhizosphere soil than in nonrhizosphere soil. The amount and rate of K fixation of soil in the +K treatment were significantly less than in the –K treatment. The cumulative amounts of K released with 1.0 mol L^?1 ammonium acetate (NH₄OAc) and 1.0 mol L^?1 HNO₃ extraction increased with the increasing numbers of extractions, but the K-releasing power of soil by successive extraction decreased gradually and finally became almost constant. The release of K was less in rhizosphere soil than in nonrhizosphere soil. The release of K in the +K treatment was similar to that in the –K treatment in rhizosphere soil, but the K release in nonrhizosphere soil was greater with the +K than the –K treatment. Overall, the information obtained in this study will be helpful in formulating more precise K fertilizer recommendations for certain soils.     

Electron donor and pH relationships for biologically enhanced dissolution of chlorinated solvent DNAPL in groundwater

Biologically enhanced dissolution offers a method to speed removal of chlorinated solvent dense non-aqueous-phase liquid (DNAPL) sources such as tetrachloroethene (PCE) and trichoroethene (TCE) from aquifers. Bioremediation is accomplished by adding an electron donor to the source zone where fermentation to intermediates leading to acetic acid and hydrogen results. The hydrogen and possibly acetic acid are used by dehalogenating bacteria to convert PCE and TCE to ethene and hydrochloric acid. Reductive dehalogenation is thus an acid forming process, and sufficient alkalinity must be present to maintain a near neutral pH. The bicarbonate alkalinity required to maintain pH above 6.5 is a function of the electron donor: 800 mg/L of bicarbonate alkalinity is sufficient to achieve about 1.2 mM TCE dechlorination with glucose, 1.7 mM with lactate, and a much higher 3.3 mM with formate. Laboratory studies indicate that in mixed culture, formate can be used as an electron donor for complete conversion to ethene, contrary to pure cultures studies indicating it cannot. Various strategies can be used to add electron donor to an aquifer for DNAPL dehalogenation while minimizing pH problems and excessive electron donor usage, including use of injection-extraction wells, dual recirculation wells, and nested injection-extraction wells.     

Biodiversity and ecogeography of wild Lactuca spp. in some European countries

Staff members of the Department of Botany of Palacký University in Olomouc and Gene Bank Department – Workplace Olomouc, Research Institute of Crop Production in Prague, Czech Republic, conducted an expedition in seven European countries (Austria, Czech Republic, France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, Switzerland) in August/September 1999 to collect wild Lactuca spp. germplasm and study its geographic distribution, ecology and biodiversity. During the mission, more than 600 locations were visited resulting in the collection of 602 seed samples (accessions) of wild Lactuca species and 13 seed samples of related genera (Chondrilla and Mycelis). Lactuca serriola f. serriola, L. serriola f. integrifolia, L. saligna and L. viminea subsp. chondrilliflora were prevalent in southern Europe (Italy, France), however, only L. serriola was common in central and western Europe (Austria, Czech Republic, Germany, Netherlands, Switzerland). The greatest diversity of Lactuca species was found in France, where also the most seed samples (165) were collected. The most characteristic habitats with a high density of Lactuca spp. populations were observed along roads and highways, grassy ditches, ruderal communities, and dust-heaps. Natural infections by powdery mildew (Erysiphe cichoracearum) and downy mildew (Bremia lactucae) on some wild Lactuca spp. were observed. Recent observations concerning the geographic distribution, population structure, habitats, and natural occurrence of diseases of Lactuca spp. are discussed. This assemblage of genetic resources of Lactuca spp. can serve as the basis of future studies of species diversification, spatial population structure, plant microevolution, domestication processes, and genetic variability of host-parasite interactions.     

Increase in auxiliary photoprotective photosynthetic pigments in wheat seedlings induced by Azospirillum brasilense

Inoculation of wheat seedlings with the plant growth-promoting bacterium Azospirillum brasilense Cd was immobilized in alginate microbeads and, without applying any stress, significantly increased the quantity of several photosynthetic pigments, such as chlorophyll a, chlorophyll b, and the auxiliary photoprotective pigments violaxanthin, zeaxanthin, antheroxanthin, lutein, neoxanthin, and β-carotene. This resulted in greener plants with no apparent visible stress. After monitoring the quantity of photosynthetic pigments for 4 weeks, we observed that inoculated plants had higher quantities of pigments in shoot and stem. The greatest difference in the quantity of all pigments between inoculated and noninoculated plants occurred in the first week of growth. Regardless of treatment, the quantity of pigments in stems was three to four times less than the quantity of these pigments in shoots. Application of Azospirillum, either as liquid inoculant or as alginate microbeads, did not alter the positive effect of the bacteria on pigment production or the positive response of the plants towards A. brasilense Cd inoculation.     

In-situ enrichment and analysis of atrazine-degrading microbial communities using atrazine-containing porous beads

We examined the community composition of microbes that colonized atrazine-containing beads buried in agricultural soils that differed in atrazine treatment history. Bacterial abundance was 5-40-fold greater in atrazine-fortified beads. In beads containing 20 mg atrazine kg⁻¹ buried in soil with a history of atrazine application (conditioned soil), the abundance of Actinobacteria increased approximately 80-fold whereas in control soil, Actinobacteria were enriched only 10-fold and the gamma-Proteobacteria and Planctomycetes increased by 60- and 25-fold, respectively. The gamma-Proteobacteria were enriched by 120- and 230-fold in beads containing 200 mg atrazine kg⁻¹ in conditioned and control soil, respectively. The results demonstrate that BioSep^® beads are a suitable matrix for recruiting a diverse subset of the bacterial community involved in atrazine degradation.